Fantasy Family Simulator

Rhett waved his hand helplessly. "Alright, Tucker, go ahead and train today. We’ll talk about sparring another time."

"Alright, Father," Tucker replied with a hint of disappointment, shaking his head as he walked away.

Now, only Rhett and Lawrence remained on the open plains. Rhett looked at Lawrence with a satisfied expression.

"Lawrence, I’ve been watching your progress closely. You haven’t let me down!"

"It's all thanks to your careful guidance, my lord!" Lawrence replied earnestly. He wasn’t just being polite—he knew well that the boiling potions he received each month were several times what other trainees received, even more than his instructors. This special treatment was both a motivation and a pressure, making him feel honored yet fearful of falling short. He had no choice but to train tirelessly and tap into his potential to live up to these expectations.

Rhett shook his head with a smile. "There’s something I need to discuss with you."

Lawrence straightened up, his expression serious. "Please give your orders, my lord!"

"Now that you’ve become a second-level knight and your strength rivals that of Tadell and Kurs, it’s time for you to take on new responsibilities. You’ve mastered Phantom Rewind, haven’t you?"

"Yes, I’ve become quite proficient with it!"

Hearing this, Lawrence fell into deep thought, hesitating. "But my combat experience and skills still lag behind Tadell and Kurs. I also lack practical experience. If I were to take on the role of an instructor, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be up to the task."

"You misunderstand me. I’m not planning for you to stay in the training grounds. Even if you need to train, you can do it alone," Rhett said, fixing his gaze on Lawrence. "From now on, you’ll be working under Shirin. Her combat experience rivals that of Tadell and Kurs, and as a third-level knight, she can continue to guide you."

"Under Shirin’s command? As a patrol officer in Darkhawk City?" Lawrence blinked in surprise.

Within the Darkhawk City territory, there were distinctions among the patrol knights. The knights at the training grounds primarily patrolled around the manor and along the main roads and paths within the territory. Inside Darkhawk City, Shirin led other knights in managing security and patrols. Outside the city, Vigie oversaw patrols, while Milton was in charge of security in Deep Rock Village.

As the population of Darkhawk City grew, additional security personnel would be needed. With Lawrence now advancing to a second-level knight, Rhett saw this as a perfect opportunity to strengthen the team while giving Lawrence the practical experience he needed.

"That’s right. What’s wrong? Are you unwilling?" Rhett detected a subtle change in Lawrence’s expression and sensed something was off.

"No, not at all! I’ll strictly follow your orders, my lord!" Lawrence snapped to attention, his voice firm and resolute.

"Good. I trust your loyalty," Rhett said, narrowing his eyes slightly. "But if there’s something on your mind, feel free to speak up. We can talk it over..."

Upon hearing this, Lawrence’s cheeks reddened. The tall young man, surprisingly shy, lowered his head and stammered, "My lord, it’s just... I was thinking about how I won’t be able to see Unika every day anymore, and that makes me a bit sad. But don’t worry, my lord’s orders are my top priority!"

As a patrol officer in Darkhawk City, Lawrence’s residence would be moved from the manor to a separate facility within the city to better respond to emergencies. Lawrence was already aware of this.

Rhett’s eyes flashed with understanding. Of course, it was as he suspected—this 16-year-old boy was troubled by love. But this was a normal part of life; anyone with emotions would go through similar experiences.

He patted Lawrence on the shoulder and chuckled. "Lawrence, temporary separation is for a better reunion. Besides, if your love is strong enough, does it really matter if you’re not together every day?"

His final words were spoken in the language of this world, but the sentiment was timeless.

Lawrence was stunned, staring at Rhett. In his young life, he had rarely heard such profound wisdom. It felt like a key had been inserted into the lock of his emotional turmoil, guiding him toward a brighter path.

Lawrence’s breathing slowed as he slowly replied, "I understand now, my lord. You’re saying that love that endures time is the truest form of love?"

"Hmm, you could say that," Rhett nodded.

Lawrence took a deep breath. "My lord, I’ll go report to Darkhawk City right away!"

With that, the young man’s spirit surged, and he turned to leave.

"Wait," Rhett called out, stopping Lawrence in his tracks.

Seeing Lawrence’s puzzled look, Rhett couldn’t help but chuckle. "First, go back to the training grounds and say your goodbyes to your instructors and friends. Is Unika the only person you care about? Is love the only thing that matters to you?"

"I was wrong, my lord!" Lawrence realized his mistake, lowering his head in shame, wishing he could disappear into the ground.

"Well... it’s understandable for a young man to be infatuated," Rhett said kindly. "But remember, throughout your life, you’ll meet many important people. They’ll fill your life in various roles—passionate or quiet, brilliant or obscure... they all deserve your attention."

Faced with Rhett’s deep, wise gaze, Lawrence felt profoundly moved. He realized how fortunate he was to be born in his lord’s territory.

"Then I’ll go now!"

Lawrence turned with renewed determination, his steps more steady than ever before.

Spring gradually blossomed.

The manor was vibrant with color, flowers in full bloom, and the hum of bees lingered among the blossoms. Above, swallows flew across the blue sky and white clouds in flocks.

The gardeners and maids were busy once again, trimming the flowerbeds and lawns, and pruning various plants.

Frano and Lauryn often stayed in the Darkmark Eagle Ridge, taking the ranger trainees to experience life in the wilderness. But they still took two days each week to return to the training grounds and teach the trainees archery and ranger combat techniques.

Around noon, after lunch, Frano and Lauryn took their child to the back of the manor to enjoy the spring air.

Rhett met the couple near the cellar behind the castle.

"Frano, Lauryn, it’s been a while."

They both turned to face him.

No, there was a third person—Lauryn held a baby in her arms.

Frano, dressed in leather armor, hadn’t trimmed his beard in a month, and it had grown thick. He smiled and said, "Hello, my lord. Since we started staying in the Darkmark Eagle Ridge, we haven’t spent much time at the manor."

Rhett approached with a smile, gently poking the baby’s rosy cheek with his finger. He chuckled, "What’s this little one’s name?"

"We named him Thomas!" Lauryn replied, her expression full of motherly affection.

"Thomas? A lovely name..." Rhett mused before asking, "I’d like to hear about how the ranger team’s training is going."

"In the first few months at Darkmark Eagle Ridge, some of the members struggled to adapt to the vast wilderness, but those who persisted have now acquired the basic skills of a ranger. They move through the wild and forested areas as if they were at home," Frano said, a hint of pride in his eyes.

"That’s good to hear. What about their overall strength?"

"We have two first-level rangers and seven ranger apprentices, along with a few others who haven’t yet become knights but are eager to become rangers," Frano reported clearly, having remembered the details well.

Rangers were generally not as powerful as knights, which Rhett had expected.

"Alright, steady progress is the key. By the way, how has Armando been doing recently?" Rhett asked casually.

In a previous simulation, Armando, possibly out of jealousy toward Lawrence, had gone into the Darkmark Eagle Ridge in the middle of the night to vent his frustration.

Frano was slightly surprised by the question. Placing one hand on his chest and the other on his chin, he pondered before replying, "Armando... he’s a diligent young man. While he hasn’t stood out much during his time with the ranger team, his persistence could make him a core member in the future."

Rhett nodded without further comment.

After a moment, he turned to Lauryn. "You seem to be brimming with energy. It looks like your battle aura is nearing its peak. You should be close to becoming a second-level knight. Focus on breaking through in the coming days."

"Leave the child-rearing to Frano in the meantime," Rhett added with a smile.

Frano laughed. "That sounds like a double blessing!"

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

On the day Henck’s brother arrived, Rhett had just finished writing the third and fourth volumes of Coiling Dragon.

After breakfast, he decided to take a "casual" walk, planning to deliver the manuscripts to Telles at the Alchemy Tower.

As he reached the third floor of the tower, he overheard a warm, familiar voice coming from a door that hadn’t been fully closed.

"Oh, Felix, my dear brother, you’ve finally come back. I’ve waited for this day for so long. Six years—yes, six years since we last saw each other. Now, we’re finally reunited!"

Henck’s voice was full of emotion, but above all, joy and excitement.

"He’s already here? Seems like I’m a bit late," Rhett thought, stopping in his tracks and deciding to give the brothers some time alone.

Fortunately, he knew Henck’s brother was arriving today, so he had concealed his presence. Through the slight gap in the door, he could see an unfamiliar figure, shorter than Henck.

More notably, there was a striking feature that Henck’s brother shared with him—a shiny bald head.

Rhett chuckled inwardly. "So, baldness runs in the family. No wonder Henck’s hair never grows even a little."

Felix, carrying a bag on his shoulder, had clearly just arrived. He dropped his bags on the floor, as if shedding all his past burdens, and rushed forward to give his brother a big hug.

"Henck, I’m so happy. Not only because we’re reunited but also because I’ve heard the news that the person who killed our parents was slain by Earl Rhett!" Felix said through tears, his voice choked with emotion as he buried his head in his brother’s shoulder.

Henck’s body trembled slightly, a flash of sorrow passing through his eyes before he patted Felix’s back. "Yes, our revenge has been fulfilled. We no longer need to be consumed by hatred. I’m sure our parents would be glad to see this, wherever they are."

Felix pulled away from the hug, his eyes red. "Is there really an afterlife? Even if there is, would our parents really go there after they died?"

"I... I’m not sure. But that’s what everyone says, so it must be true," Henck replied, his voice faltering slightly.

Outside the door, Rhett’s eyes flickered with thought as he muttered to himself, "An afterlife... Isn’t that just a myth? A place filled with undead creatures—how could people go there after they die?"

He quietly stepped back, making his way to the second-floor corner before gradually releasing his aura and deliberately making some noise.

The sound of his footsteps echoed rhythmically.

When he finally opened Henck’s door, he saw the two figures standing side by side. Pretending to be surprised, he said, "I sensed an unfamiliar presence outside. Henck, this person who looks so much like you..."

He pointed at Felix, feigning confusion.

"He’s my brother, Felix!" Henck replied seriously, picking up on Rhett’s cue.

Henck looked at Felix, smiling warmly as he patted his shoulder. "Felix, this is the lord of Darkhawk City, my lord—Rhett Green. He’s also our benefactor."

Felix, his eyes still slightly tear-stained, stared at Rhett’s mature, composed face, instantly feeling a sense of admiration. Yes, only a person like this could accomplish such incredible feats!

His gaze gradually focused, and he took a deep breath, bowing respectfully. "Earl Rhett, thank you for your help. I will remember this kindness deeply in my heart!"

Rhett waved his hand dismissively, smiling. "A kind deed is its own reward, Felix. Your gratitude is the best gift I could receive."

Felix was moved by the lord’s magnanimity and leadership qualities.

At that moment, Rhett also took a closer look at Felix, comparing him to Henck.

Aside from the height difference, Felix’s head was more of a perfect oval, resembling the shape of a character from One Punch Man, with a clean, unscarred face. Henck’s head shape, on the other hand, was more like an egg—wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.

"I heard you’ve been living in the capital?" Rhett asked, breaking the silence and starting a conversation.

Felix quickly replied, "Yes, I heard about your achievements while I was in the capital, and that’s how I learned of your deeds, Earl Rhett. That’s why I rushed back to the southwestern border."

"You heard about me in the capital?" Rhett raised an eyebrow in surprise. Given his power and status, he expected to be relatively unremarkable in the capital.

"Of course! A noble who has taken a bloodline potion is well-known in the capital," Felix nodded. "Also, over the past year, there’s been a lot more talk about the southwestern border. Rumors have spread that a Saint-level beastman has disguised himself as a human, lurking behind the scenes to infiltrate our forces."